The New Winds

Eichiro of family Ikoma stood at a distance, observing the unfolding battle upon the docks. Someone would need to witness the Courage of the children- no, samurai who fought not for glory, but for Justice. He wrote the events deep within his mind, taking in each strike, each life risked. The Empire would hear of this, and know that whatever the result was of the tournament, they were all heroes of the Empire.

Qiang, undefeated master of the ring, goes down. From this distance, it cannot be seen how he fares but for anything to stop his fury it must be serious. The witness gasps, but cannot look away to ensure all is remembered.

A silent prayer is uttered, hastily constructed and clumsily said for the young bushi, asking for more time in Ningen-do.

The witness's prayer is answered as Qiang rises, it releases a breath it did not know it was holding as the water kami do their work on the Lion bushi.

The same cannot be said for Ichiro of the Utaku, the rider slumps in the saddle and his mount wanders. The witness prays for him also, and for Kokyou of the Mantis who struggles with the foul blade embedded deep.

Watch and remember, witness and testify.

The battle concludes as quickly as it began. The witness seems to blink hard, finalizing its impressions.

Now, to remember, write, and testify. All should know what occurred on the docks this day.

/exit